Chrysler Imperial Airflow Series C-2 Sedan, 1935
Chrysler Imperial III
Chrysler Imperial III•
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Chassis No.: 7013987
Auction: Indy 2025
Auction date: May 17, 2025
Lot No.: T205
$46,000 | High bid
- Odometer: 80,314 miles
- Engine: Inline 8-cylinder
- Transmission: Manual
- Exterior: Formal Black
- Interior: Beige
- Body: Sedan
- Featured in the blockbuster hit 1972 motion picture “The Godfather”
- 2012 AACA Grand National
- 1994 AACA Senior award winner
- Formerly owned by DeSoto Club President Chuck Cochran
- Provenance documented by Chrysler Airflow Club
- 323/130 HP L-head Inline 8-cylinder engine
- 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive
- Formal Black paint
- Beige cloth interior
- 4-wheel Lockheed hydraulic brakes
For 1934, Chrysler Corporation shocked the automotive world with its all-new, radically streamlined Airflow model lines, featuring robust, all-steel unit-body construction. A design far ahead of its time, the Airflow featured wonderful art deco styling cues and outstanding passenger comfort with wide, comfortable seats placed fully inside the car’s wheelbase. Extra-long leaf springs enhanced the Airflow’s low ground clearance, delivering remarkable ease of entry and exit for occupants. Lockheed 4-wheel hydraulic brakes delivered industry-leading stopping power.
However, despite the many virtues offered by the new Airflow models, wary Great Depression-era buyers failed to respond in the numbers Chrysler anticipated. Consequently, surviving examples are quite rare today. This example from 1935 carries outstanding provenance, documented by Chrysler Airflow Club data as having been rented out for one day to Alfran Productions/Paramount Pictures for use on Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic 1972 movie, “The Godfather.” Ownership history, as documented by The Chrysler Airflow Club, also confirms that this historic vehicle was, until 2024, owned by former DeSoto Club president Chuck Cochran, who acquired the Airflow in 1975. Under Mr.
Cochran’s care, this Imperial Airflow Sedan earned the AACA Senior National First Prize award in 1994, and then in 2012, it received the AACA Grand National First Prize. Badges confirming both prestigious awards are duly affixed to the lower extremities of the Airflow’s revised-for-1935 grille. Featuring a dignified formal black paint finish and beige cloth upholstery, this Imperial Airflow’s aerodynamic body styling and luxurious passenger compartment continue to present well with the older restoration work it has received. The 323.5 CI inline 8-cylinder engine, factory-rated at 130 HP, is paired with a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
Other choice features include a rear-mounted spare wheel and tire, crank-out windshield ventilation and a heater, plus steel artillery-type wheels mounting white sidewall tires. While the Airflow may have been a bit too modern for buyer tastes when new, its design and engineering excellence continue to profoundly influence today’s automobiles. Accordingly, this high-end 1935 Chrysler Imperial Series C-2 Sedan is offered ready to grace any collection celebrating the many innovations made by Chrysler since the company’s inception 100 years ago.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1141879/1935-chrysler-imperial-airflow-series-c-2-sedan/
Cost
168,935 AED
